The Murray State Racers (25-4, 16-2 OVC) will be in the Ohio Valley Conference Tourney at Ford Center when they challenge the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (24-8, 16-3 OVC). Action gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Murray State Racers ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Racers defeated the Austin Peay Governors 94-83, while the Gamecocks beat the UT Martin Skyhawks 88-81.
The Gamecocks, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.2, had a ridiculous mark of 41.9 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.586 (above their season average of 0.508). The Racers, meanwhile, made 21 of their 25 free throws (84.0 percent), while the Governors had a turnover percentage of 17.9 (above their season average of 14.5). Ja Morant had a good outing for Murray State, contributing 27 points, 13 assists and six rebounds. Jason Burnell was a key piece for Jacksonville State with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Murray State takes on the stingy defense of Jacksonville State. The Racers rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Gamecocks are 35th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Gamecocks, who rank 44th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.5 percent), will go head-to-head against the Racers, who rank 256th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.2 percent).
Jacksonville State vs. Murray State ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State ranks fifth in assists per game (18.3) while Jacksonville State ranks 127th (13.7).
- The Gamecocks average 39.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 16th in the country. The Racers rank 110th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1).
- Jacksonville State ranks 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Murray State ranks 111th (3.4).
- The Racers rank 137th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while the Gamecocks rank 248th (19.4).
- Murray State ranks 30th in steals per game (7.8) while Jacksonville State ranks 139th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gamecocks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, down from 9.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 91.0 points per game (7.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
